Micky van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial defender to score two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net twice in first half

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at both ends of pitch

Following a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had netted only a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Kelly Morales
Kelly Morales

A seasoned sports journalist with over a decade of experience covering MLB and college athletics.